iExplore Paris Interlude

Tour Description

Welcome to Paris! Known as the City of Light, Paris is considered by many people the world's most beautiful city. Its monuments and treasures are better preserved than those of any rival city. Come and explore Paris, beginning with a privately guided tour of the city to enjoy the charms and elegance of this great city. You can experience the legendary Parisian Cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, which has dazzled patrons since 1889. Visit one of the largest castles in the world on a private, cultural excursion to Versailles; visit the Louvre, home to one of the most important art collections in the western world. And perhaps, admire the most exquisite architecture and historical monuments on a dinner cruise along the Seine River.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Paris

Upon arrival at the Paris airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by your driver, privately transferred to your hotel, where you will be welcomed to France by local agent representative and you will be assisted with check-in procedures.

Our local France Representative is to ensure your vacation operates smoothly and to your absolute satisfaction. He/she is on the end of the phone for you should you have any queries and is there to assist you.

This afternoon you will be met by your English speaking driver and guide for a half day (3 hours) sightseeing tour of Paris. Visit the Marais, one of Paris’s most historic districts. This area houses many former residences of aristocratic families, which have now been restored and are now museums. You will see the Place des Vosges, lined with pink brick and covered arcades. Continue to the Ile de la Cité, where you will visit the Sainte Chapelle, a pearl of Gothic architecture.

OPTIONAL VISIT: Visit to the Moulin Rouge

This evening visit the renowned Moulin Rouge, the spiritual home of many generations of artists and writers. Enjoy dinner in the sumptuous surroundings and then experience the famous cabaret which the painter Toulouse-Lautrec immortalized in paint. Your English speaking driver will then transfer you back to your hotel.

You will be confirmed in luxury room accommodation including Full Breakfast for three nights at the Sofitel Le Faubourg.

Sofitel Le Faubourg

Day 2 - Versailles

Today, meet your private vehicle and English speaking guide for a half day tour of VersaillesYou will drive out to Versailles to admire the huge palace of the great Sun King Louis XIV, visiting the State Apartments and decorative gardens. Admire the famous “Hall of Mirrors”, once the centre of the French court, and later the scene of signing of the peace treaty, ending the First World War.

You will be transferred back to Paris by your private vehicle where the rest of your day is at leisure.

Sofitel Le Faubourg (B)

Day 3 – Paris

This morning visit the world-famous Louvre Museum with your guide and private vehicle. The Louvre is housed in a magnificent building, which was originally built for use as a royal palace for King Francis I. The main entrance is now covered by a large glass, steel rod and cable pyramid designed by the American architect I. M. Pei. It is home to one of the most important art collections in the Western world, spanning the period from remotest antiquity, through to about 1850.

OPTIONAL VISIT: River Seine Dinner Cruise

Explore the sights of Paris in a completely new light whilst travelling on the River Seine. The boat cruise offers a three course dinner and live musical entertainment and lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Sofitel Le Faubourg (B)

Day 4 – Paris

Today you will be privately transferred to Paris airport or the relevant Paris train station.

Sofitel Le Faubourg --- Sofitel Paris Le Faubourgis located in the luxury 8th arrondissement, close to the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre. The hotel is housed in two 18th and 19th century buildings in the historical and diplomatic area of Paris near the Jardin des Tuileries and Rue de Faubourg Saint Honore, famous for its boutiques. Situated on the Right Bank of the Seine the hotel serves as an ideal location for exploring or as a luxury retreat in the heart of this bustling city.

The hotel has 172 rooms including 25 suites. All rooms are decorated in an elegant French style and designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon using the finest materials. The rooms feature MyBed™ signature bedding providing a unique experience of comfort and wellbeing. All rooms are equipped with modern technology such as flat screen TVs, CD player and Wifi connection. Luxury Hermes toiletries and minibars are available in each room.

The hotel offers two dining experiences offering the perfect atmosphere to relax and socialize. Bar30 in 1930s style decor, fireplace and cosy atmosphere is bound to charm you. Bar30 is the fashion world’s place to meet. Light, elegant meals served for lunch and drinks are accompanied by piano music in the evening.

The Café Faubourg captures a delightful atmosphere of casual elegance and a place to meet the fashion elite. Jérome Videau’s cooking embraces simplicity, authenticity, and tradition, though he is quick to reinterpret French classics. During the summer months guests can sit in the stylish courtyard.

The in house Spa offers a fitness centre, massage and sauna.

Luxury Double / Twin Room (approx. 25 sq. m, 269 sq. ft)

All luxury rooms have satellite Flat screen TVs, CD player, minibar, Wifi connection, air-conditioning and in room safe. Bathrooms have Hermesamenities and bathrobes. The rooms are appointed in a quiet area of the hotel.

(B)

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

High Season: Tours Starting 1 April – 15 July 2012

Tours Starting 1 September – 30 November 2012

Inclusions

• Buffet breakfast
• Accommodation at the Sofitel Le Faubourg, Paris in a Luxury Room
• Private transport by Peugeot 607 or similar. Please note that the vehicle provided allows for two pieces of luggage per person. For additional luggage, larger vehicles can be provided for a supplementary cost.
• Basic English-speaking driver for stated transfers
• Expert local English-speaking guides for stated sightseeing
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• The services of a Representative including hotel meeting upon arrival in Paris, telephone monitoring at each hotel and reconfirmation of arrangements with all service providers.
• Welcome pack
• All taxes
• 24 hour emergency contact service

Exclusions

• All air travel and associated costs
• All meals except breakfast unless stated otherwise in the itinerary
• Visit and entrance fee to the Moulin Rouge, Paris
• Tickets for River Seine Dinner Cruise
• Porterage
• Gratuities
• All items of a personal nature (e.g. beverages, telephone calls, laundry, personal insurance)
• Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Option for the evening of day 1: The legendary Parisian Cabaret- Moulin Rouge! Ask an iExplore Adventure Consultant for more information.

Option for the evening of day 3: Why not add on a dinner cruise on the Seine River? It is a most pleasant way to discover the city as the sights unfold on either bank of the river while enjoying a delicious dinner! An iExplore Adventure Consultant can give you the details.

Tour Notes